Lubricant vent system

ABSTRACT

A fluid inlet/outlet manifold for a lubrication system comprises inlet and outlet passages, and a vent valve. The outlet passage fluidly connects a lubricant reservoir to a lubricant work line. The inlet passage fluidly connects a inlet to the lubricant reservoir. The vent valve is actuatable between a first state fluidly isolating the inlet passage from the outlet passage, and a second state that fluidly connects the inlet passage to the outlet passage, thereby permitting lubricant in the lubricant work line to be vented into the lubricant reservoir.

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

U.S. provisional application No. 61/863,334 is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

The present invention relates generally to lubrication systems. More particularly, the invention relates to a lubricant venting subsystem for a mobile lubrication system.

Industrial and construction machinery often requires lubrication to function. Seals, pistons, and bearings of such machinery may require substantial volumes of grease, oil, or other lubricant to protect against wear, prevent corrosion, and/or reduce frictional heating. Mobile machinery is often incorporated into or transported by industrial vehicles, which commonly use portable local lubrication assemblies wherein local lubricant pumps, reservoirs, and injectors are affixed vehicles or devices to ensure adequate lubrication. Local reservoirs have limited capacity sufficient to handle extended ordinary operation, and are refilled with lubricant from a larger source, as needed. Local lubrication assemblies often supply lubricant to multiple lubricant injectors dedicated to different machinery.

SUMMARY

In a first embodiment, a fluid inlet/outlet manifold for a lubrication system comprises inlet and outlet passages, and a vent valve. The outlet passage fluidly connects a lubricant reservoir to a lubricant work line. The inlet passage fluidly connects an inlet to the lubricant reservoir. The vent valve is actuatable between a first state fluidly isolating the inlet passage from the outlet passage, and a second state that fluidly connects the inlet passage to the outlet passage, thereby permitting lubricant in the lubricant work line to be vented into the lubricant reservoir.

In a second embodiment, a lubrication system comprises a lubricant reservoir, a lubricant pump, a lubricant work line, a refill line, and a fluid inlet/outlet manifold. The lubricant pump is disposed to pump lubricant from the lubricant reservoir. The lubricant work line is disposed to receive pumped lubricant from the lubricant reservoir. The inlet is disposed to receive refill lubricant into the lubricant reservoir. The fluid inlet/outlet manifold is disposed between the lubricant reservoir and the lubricant work line, and has an outlet passage, an inlet passage, and a vent valve. The outlet passage fluidly connects the lubricant reservoir to the lubricant work line. The inlet passage fluidly connects the inlet to the lubricant reservoir. The vent valve is actuatable between a first state fluidly isolating the inlet passage from the outlet passage, and a second state that fluidly connects the inlet passage to the outlet passage, thereby permitting lubricant in the lubricant work line to be vented into the lubricant reservoir.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a lubrication system.

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of a portion of the lubrication system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3a is a schematic view of a fluid inlet/outlet manifold of the lubrication system of FIGS. 1 and 2, in a first operating state.

FIG. 3b is a schematic view of a fluid inlet/outlet manifold of the lubrication system of FIGS. 1 and 2, in a second operating state.

FIG. 3c is a schematic view of a fluid inlet/outlet manifold of the lubrication system of FIGS. 1 and 2, in a third operating state.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The lubrication system of the present invention includes a venting system that provides pressure relief for lubricant work line components by releasing work line lubricant into a lubricant reservoir.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of lubrication system 10, a system that receives, stores, and supplies lubricant fluid. Lubrication system 10 comprises local assembly 12 with lubricant reservoir 14, motor 16, pump 18, fluid tube 20, input/output manifold 22, lubricant work line 24, and lubricant injectors 26. Lubricant fluid from refill source 28 can be supplied to lubricant reservoir 14 via refill line 30, shutoff valve assembly 32, and reservoir inlet line 34. Refill pump 36 pressurized fluid from refill source 28, and dump line 38 can drain excess lubricant from refill line 30 into lubricant dump 40.

Local assembly 12 is a dedicated lubrication assembly for use with lubricated machinery such as pumps, pistons, seals, bearings, and/or shafts. Local assembly 12 can, for example, be a lubrication assembly mounted on a vehicle or other mobile device for lubrication of mobile components. Lubricant reservoir 14 is a tank or other container for lubricant fluid. In some embodiments, lubricant reservoir 14 can be a substantially cylindrical drum. Motor 16 drives pump 18, which in turn draws lubricant from lubricant reservoir 14 through fluid tube 20, and forces lubricant into lubricant work line 24 through input/output manifold 22, under pressure. Motor 16 can, for example, be an electrical or pneumatic motor. In one embodiment pump 18 is a piston pump. In alternative embodiments, pump 18 can be a reciprocating pump of any other kind, or a gear pump.

Fluid tube 20 is a lubricant-carrying tube that extends from a top location of lubricant reservoir 14 near input/output assembly 22 to bottom location near the base of lubricant reservoir 14. Although fluid tube 20 is depicted as a vertical cylindrical tube, alternative embodiments can bend, be angled, or otherwise have other shapes. Fluid tube 20 can, for example, be a nested tube with concentric inlet and outlet channels. Inlet/outlet manifold 22 provides the entrance and exit for lubricant into or from lubricant reservoir 14. Inlet/output manifold 22 connects to fluid tube 20, lubricant work line 24, and inlet line 34. Lubricant work line 24 is a fluid distribution line that carries lubricant from input/output manifold 22 to lubricant injectors 26, which can be distributed across a plurality of lubricated components (not shown). Although only one lubricant work line 24 is shown, some embodiments of local assembly 12 can comprise multiple lubricant work lines, all connected to input/output manifold 22. Lubricant injectors 26 are injectors for grease, oil, or other lubricant materials that are disposed at the locations of lubricated components. Lubricant injectors 26 can, for example, be spring-biased injectors pressurized by motor 18 that fire to supply a metered quantity of lubricant fluid.

Refill source 28 is a source of lubricant material used to refill lubricant reservoir 14, as needed. Refill source 28 can, for example, be a large stationary drum, tank, or container. When lubricant reservoir 14 is depleted, it can be refilled by attaching refill line 30 to shutoff valve assembly 32, which is fluidly connected to input/output manifold 22 via inlet line 34. Refill line 30 can, for example, be a detachable hose associated with refill source 28. Shutoff valve assembly 32 is a valve assembly disposed between refill source 28 and inlet/output manifold 22. Shutoff valve assembly 32 is biased open, but closes when lubricant reservoir 14 is full, preventing overfilling. When shutoff valve assembly 32 is open, fluid from refill source 28 can be pumped through refill line 30, shutoff valve assembly 32, and inlet line 34 into lubricant reservoir 14 by refill pump 36. Refill pump 36 can, for example, be a gear pump, a reciprocating cylinder pump, or any other appropriate pressurizing device. Once lubricant reservoir 14 has been filled, refill line 30 can be disconnected from shutoff valve assembly 32. Excess lubricant can be exhausted from refill line 30 via dump line 38. Dump line 38 can, for example, be an outlet line or spigot attached to refill line via a manually actuated valve. In some embodiments lubricant dump, can be a waste fluid dump. In other embodiments, lubricant dump 40 can be a recirculation dump that routes excess lubricant back to refill source 28.

Lubrication controller 42 is a logic-capable device such as a dedicated microprocessor or collection of microprocessors, or a non-dedicated computer loaded with appropriate control software. Lubrication controller 42 receives input signals C_(i) reflecting states of local assembly 12, and controls motor 16 and actuators of local assembly 12 via output signals C_(o). Lubrication controller 42 can be a part of local assembly 10, or can be a remote controller that communicates with local assembly 12 via a remote data connection such as a wireless connection. Lubrication controller 42 can include user interface components such as a screen, keypad, and/or communication transceiver to provide data to local or remote users, and accept user input commands. In some embodiments lubrication controller 42 can output alarm or alert messages (e.g. via digital signals, lights, and/or sounds) indicating changes in operation of local assembly 12.

Local assembly 12 supplies lubricant to machine components that can be portable or otherwise mobile away from refill source 28. Lubricant reservoir 14 can be refilled as needed, allowing local assembly 12 to operate independently from lubricant source for extended periods, e.g. while associated machine components are in use at a location remote from refill source 28.

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of a portion of local assembly 12, illustrating lubricant reservoir 14, motor 16, pump 18, fluid tube 20, inlet/output manifold 22, shutoff valve assembly 32, and inlet line 34 as described above. FIG. 2 further depicts cover plate 44, seal ring 46, follower plate 48, reservoir lip 50, flexible diaphragm 52, fill plate 54, main inlet 56, main outlet 58, vent valve solenoid 60, refill inlet 62, refill outlet 64, and air vent 66.

In the depicted embodiment, cover plate 44 is a substantially flat cover to lubricant reservoir 14 that serves as an base for motor 16, pump 18, shutoff valve assembly 32, and air vent 66. In an assembled state, cover plate 44 is bolted to seal ring 46, follower plate 48, and reservoir lip 50. Reservoir lip 50 is an annular flange of lubricant reservoir disposed to receive fasteners and form a fluid seal with follower plate 48. Follower plate 48 and seal ring 46 are disposed between reservoir lip 50 and cover plate 44. In the depicted embodiment, follower plate 48 is a diaphragm plate that includes flexible diaphragm 52 and at least one fill plate 54. When reservoir 14 is not full, the weight of fill plate 54 causes flexible diaphragm 52 to bow downward, away from cover plate 44. As reservoir 14 is filled, lubricant within lubricant reservoir 14 forces flexible diaphragm 52 and fill plate 54 upwards. In some embodiments, this upwards deformation of follower plate 48 can actuate shutoff valve assembly 32, causing shutoff valve assembly 32 to close when lubricant reservoir 14 is full. In alternative embodiments, other kinds of follower plates can be used instead. Air vent 66 is a covered aperture in cover plate 44 that permits airflow beneath follower plate to avoid suction as lubricant levels fall in lubricant reservoir 14. In some embodiments, flexible diaphragm 52 and/or fill plate 54 may include air flow apertures that allow airflow through follower plate 48, but close to obstruct lubricant flow.

As described with respect to FIG. 1, inlet/output manifold 22 is a fluid manifold with fluid passages into/out of fluid tube 20. Main inlet 56 and main outlet 58 are input and output ports of inlet/output manifold 22, respectively. Main outlet 58 connects to lubricant work line 24. In some embodiments, inlet/output manifold 22 can have multiple main outlets servicing multiple lubricant work lines. Main inlet 56 receives refill lubricant from refill source 28 via inlet line 34 and refill line 30. Although inlet line 34 is illustrated as a hose, alternative embodiments of inlet line 34 may for example be rigid tubes or channels. Inlet line 34 connects main inlet 56 to refill outlet 64, and outlet port of shutoff valve assembly 32. Refill lubricant enters shutoff valve assembly 32 at refill inlet 62, exits shutoff valve assembly 32 at refill outlet 64 (if shutoff valve assembly 32 is open), and continues into lubricant reservoir 14 through inlet line 34, main inlet 56, and fluid tube 20.

In the depicted embodiment, inlet/output manifold 22 is equipped with vent valve solenoid 60, an actuator solenoid that drives a vent valve integral to inlet/output manifold 22. Vent valve solenoid 60 actuates valving in inlet/output manifold 22 according to command signals included among output signals C_(o) from lubrication controller 42. In this way, inlet/output manifold 22 is able to switch between pumping and vent modes. In pumping modes, pump 18 can drive fluid from lubricant reservoir 14 through main outlet(s) 58 to lubricant work line(s) 24, and/or lubricant reservoir 14 can receive pumped refill lubricant from refill source 28, through main inlet 56. In vent modes, pressurized fluid in lubricant work line 24 is allowed to recycle back through inlet passages of inlet manifold 22 into lubricant reservoir 14 as a pressure relief mechanism.

FIGS. 3a, 3b, and 3c are schematic views of local assembly 12 illustrating fluid pathing of inlet/output manifold 22. FIGS. 3a, 3b, and 3c illustrate identical components, but depict different functional states of inlet/output manifold 22. FIG. 3a illustrates an output state of inlet/output manifold 22 used while pumping lubricant to lubricant work line 24. FIG. 3b illustrates an inlet state of inlet/output manifold 22 used while receiving lubricant from refill source 28 to refill lubricant reservoir 14. FIG. 3c illustrates a venting state of inlet/output manifold 22 used to relieve pressure at lubricant injectors 26 by venting lubricant from lubricant work line 24 back into lubricant reservoir 14.

FIGS. 3a, 3b, and 3c depict local assembly 12 with lubricant reservoir 14, fluid tube 20, and inlet/output manifold 22 with main inlet 56 main outlet 58, and solenoid 60 as described above with respect to FIG. 2. FIGS. 3a, 3b, and 3c further illustrate manifold body 100, valve well 102, inlet passage 104, outlet passage 106, vent valve 108, inlet channel 110, and outlet tube 112.

In the depicted embodiment, fluid tube 20 comprises two concentric tubes with with inlet channel 110 and outlet tube 112. Outlet tube 112 is centrally disposed tube that carries lubricant out of lubricant reservoir 14 for use on lubricant work line 24. Inlet tube is an annular passage disposed coaxially about outlet tube 112, and carries lubricant from lubricant source 28 into lubricant reservoir 14. In alternative embodiments, inlet channel 110 and outlet tube 112 may take other forms, such as separate tubes, pipes, or hoses. Inlet channel 110 and outlet tube 112 are fluidly connected only via lubricant reservoir and (in certain valve states of vent valve 108) inlet/output manifold 22. Fluid tube 20 connects to outlet passage 106 of inlet/output manifold 22, while inlet channel 110 connects to inlet passage 104 of inlet/output manifold 22.

Manifold body 100 is a rigid body with a plurality of cavities forming passages and wells including main inlet 56, main outlet 58, inlet passage 104, outlet passage 106, and valve well 102. Valve well 102 is a channel connecting main outlet 58 to outlet passage 106, and carrying vent valve 108. Vent valve 108 can, for example, be a shuttle valve or needle valve. Vent valve 108 is driven by vent valve solenoid 60, which can for example be actuated on commands from controller 42. Solenoid 60 can, for example, be a linear drive solenoid disposed to actuate vent valve 108 between first and second valve states. In a first valve state (illustrated in FIGS. 3a and 3b ), vent valve 108 permits lubricant flow from outlet passage 106 to main outlet 58, but isolates outlet passage 106 from inlet passage 104. In a second valve state (illustrated in FIG. 3c ), vent valve 108 permits lubricant flow freely between outlet passage 106, main outlet 58, and inlet passage 104. Some embodiments of inlet/output manifold 22 may include additional main inlets and/or outlets that feed into inlet passage 104 and valve well 102, respectively.

FIG. 3a illustrates a pumping operation of local assembly 12 wherein lubricant flows from lubricant reservoir 14 through outlet tube 112, into outlet passage 106, through valve well 102, and out main outlet 58 to lubricant work line 24 and lubricant injectors 26. FIG. 3b illustrates a refill operation of local assembly 12 wherein lubricant from refill source 28 flows into main inlet 56, though inlet passage 104, and through inlet channel 110 into lubricant reservoir 14. The valve state of vent valve 108 is identical during pumping and refill operations.

FIG. 3c illustrates a venting operation of local assembly 12 wherein lubricant is allowed to flow from main outlet 58, into valve well 102, and through inlet passage 104 and inlet channel 110 to lubricant reservoir. This is accomplished by commanding solenoid 60 to shift vent valve 108 to the aforementioned second valve state in which inlet passage 104, outlet passage, and main outlet 108 are all fluidly connected via valve well 102. During pumping operation, pump 18 pressurizes lubricant within outlet passage 106 and lubricant work line 24. Resulting high lubricant pressure in lubricant work line 24 can prevent lubricant injectors 26 from resetting after being fired. By switching vent valve 108 to the second state depicted in the venting operation of FIG. 3c , local assembly 12 allows this overpressure to be relieved by venting or draining pressurized lubricant from work line 24 and outlet passage 106 through inlet passage 104 and inlet channel 110 into lubricant reservoir 14. Reduced fluid pressure on lubricant work line 24 allows biasing elements (e.g. springs, not shown) of lubricant injectors 26 to reset lubricant injectors 26 for further operation.

Vent valve 108 allows inlet/output manifold to operate in inlet, output, and venting modes, as described above. Vent valve 108 can, for example, be actuated electronically by controller 42 through output signals C_(o) transmitted to solenoid 60 (see FIG. 1). In some embodiments, vent valve 108 can be manually actuatable. The venting function of inlet/output manifold 22 enables local assembly 12 to alleviate overpressure on lubricant work line 24 that would otherwise stall operation of lubrication system 10.

DISCUSSION OF POSSIBLE EMBODIMENTS

The following are non-exclusive descriptions of possible embodiments of the present invention.

A lubrication system comprising: a lubricant reservoir; a lubricant pump disposed to pump lubricant from the lubricant reservoir; a lubricant work line disposed to receive pumped lubricant from the lubricant reservoir; an inlet disposed to receive refill lubricant into the lubricant reservoir; a fluid inlet/outlet manifold disposed between the lubricant reservoir and the lubricant work line, the fluid inlet/outlet manifold having: an outlet passage fluidly connecting the lubricant reservoir to the lubricant work line; an inlet passage fluidly connecting the inlet to the lubricant reservoir; and a vent valve actuatable between a first state fluidly isolating the inlet passage from the outlet passage, and a second state that fluidly connects the inlet passage to the outlet passage, thereby permitting lubricant in the lubricant work line to be vented into the lubricant reservoir.

The lubrication system of the preceding paragraph can optionally include, additionally and/or alternatively, any one or more of the following features, configurations and/or additional components:

A further embodiment of the foregoing lubrication system, further comprising: a controller; and an electronic actuator disposed to actuate the vent valve in response to actuation commands from the controller.

A further embodiment of the foregoing lubrication system, wherein the electronic actuator is a solenoid actuator.

A further embodiment of the foregoing lubrication system, wherein the vent valve is a shuttle valve or needle valve.

A further embodiment of the foregoing lubrication system, wherein the inlet passage and the outlet passage are in fluid communication with the lubricant reservoir via a fluid tube extending from a first location near the fluid inlet/outlet manifold to a second location near a bottom of the lubricant reservoir.

A further embodiment of the foregoing lubrication system, wherein the fluid tube comprises two concentrically disposed cylindrical passages.

A further embodiment of the foregoing lubrication system, wherein an inner passage of the two concentrically disposed cylindrical passage is in fluid communication with the outlet passage, and an outer passage of the two concentrically disposed cylindrical passages is in fluid communication with the inlet passage.

A further embodiment of the foregoing lubrication system, further comprising an automatic shutoff valve disposed upstream of the inlet to prevent overfilling of the lubricant reservoir.

A further embodiment of the foregoing lubrication system, wherein the lubricant work line comprises a lubricant injector.

A further embodiment of the foregoing lubrication system, wherein permitting lubricant in the lubricant work line to be vented into the lubricant reservoir allows the lubricant injector to reset.

A fluid inlet/outlet manifold for a lubrication system, the fluid inlet/outlet manifold comprising: an outlet passage fluidly connecting a lubricant reservoir to a lubricant work line; an inlet passage fluidly connecting a inlet to the lubricant reservoir; and a vent valve actuatable between a first state fluidly isolating the inlet passage from the outlet passage, and a second state that fluidly connects the inlet passage to the outlet passage, thereby permitting lubricant in the lubricant work line to be vented into the lubricant reservoir.

The fluid inlet/outlet manifold of the preceding paragraph can optionally include, additionally and/or alternatively, any one or more of the following features, configurations and/or additional components:

A further embodiment of the foregoing fluid inlet/outlet manifold, further comprising an electronic actuator disposed to actuate the vent valve in response to actuation commands from a controller.

A further embodiment of the foregoing fluid inlet/outlet manifold, wherein the electronic actuator is a solenoid actuator.

A further embodiment of the foregoing fluid inlet/outlet manifold, wherein the vent valve is a shuttle valve or needle valve.

A further embodiment of the foregoing fluid inlet/outlet manifold, wherein the outlet passage and the inlet passage are in fluid communication with the lubricant reservoir via a fluid tube extending from a first location near the fluid inlet/outlet manifold to a second location near a bottom of the lubricant reservoir.

While the invention has been described with reference to an exemplary embodiment(s), it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiment(s) disclosed, but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims. 

1. A lubrication system comprising: a lubricant reservoir; a lubricant pump disposed to pump lubricant from the lubricant reservoir; a lubricant work line disposed to receive pumped lubricant from the lubricant reservoir; an inlet disposed to receive refill lubricant into the lubricant reservoir; a fluid inlet/outlet manifold disposed between the lubricant reservoir and the lubricant work line, the fluid inlet/outlet manifold having: an outlet passage fluidly connecting the lubricant reservoir to the lubricant work line; an inlet passage fluidly connecting the inlet to the lubricant reservoir; and a vent valve actuatable between a first state fluidly isolating the inlet passage from the outlet passage, and a second state that fluidly connects the inlet passage to the outlet passage, thereby permitting lubricant in the lubricant work line to be vented into the lubricant reservoir.
 2. The lubrication system of claim 1, further comprising: a controller; and an electronic actuator disposed to actuate the vent valve in response to actuation commands from the controller.
 3. The lubrication system of claim 2, wherein the electronic actuator is a solenoid actuator.
 4. The lubrication system of claim 1, wherein the vent valve is a shuttle valve or needle valve.
 5. The lubrication system of claim 1, wherein the inlet passage and the outlet passage are in fluid communication with the lubricant reservoir via a fluid tube extending from a first location near the fluid inlet/outlet manifold to a second location near a bottom of the lubricant reservoir.
 6. The lubrication system of claim 1, wherein the fluid tube comprises two concentrically disposed cylindrical passages.
 7. The lubrication system of claim 6, wherein an inner passage of the two concentrically disposed cylindrical passage is in fluid communication with the outlet passage, and an outer passage of the two concentrically disposed cylindrical passages is in fluid communication with the inlet passage.
 8. The lubrication system of claim 1, further comprising an automatic shutoff valve disposed upstream of the inlet to prevent overfilling of the lubricant reservoir.
 9. The lubrication system of claim 1, wherein the lubricant work line comprises a lubricant injector.
 10. The lubrication system of claim 9, wherein permitting lubricant in the lubricant work line to be vented into the lubricant reservoir allows the lubricant injector to reset.
 11. A fluid inlet/outlet manifold for a lubrication system, the fluid inlet/outlet manifold comprising: an outlet passage fluidly connecting a lubricant reservoir to a lubricant work line; an inlet passage fluidly connecting a inlet to the lubricant reservoir; and a vent valve actuatable between a first state fluidly isolating the inlet passage from the outlet passage, and a second state that fluidly connects the inlet passage to the outlet passage, thereby permitting lubricant in the lubricant work line to be vented into the lubricant reservoir.
 12. The fluid inlet/outlet manifold of claim 11, further comprising an electronic actuator disposed to actuate the vent valve in response to actuation commands from a controller.
 13. The fluid inlet/outlet manifold of claim 12, wherein the electronic actuator is a solenoid actuator.
 14. The fluid inlet/outlet manifold of claim 11, wherein the vent valve is a shuttle valve or needle valve.
 15. The fluid inlet/outlet manifold of claim 11, wherein the outlet passage and the inlet passage are in fluid communication with the lubricant reservoir via a fluid tube extending from a first location near the fluid inlet/outlet manifold to a second location near a bottom of the lubricant reservoir. 